Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Episode #17 – An Unexpected Alliance

And
so it was that our heroes yet again entered the mysterious hunting
lodge. They made their way cautiously through the unexplored areas
until they happened upon a tapestry. Lucien, taking interest in the
artistry, leaned into the tapestry to take a closer look. However, as
he leaned forward, he fell into the tapestry and disappeared. Another
magicked work of art! The others, not wanting to lose their friend,
followed Lucien into the tapestry. Well, actually, Nulara stayed to
fight an enchanted set of armor before deciding it best to follow
suit.After
a quick reorientation and some moments to observe their surroundings more carefully, the dauntless adventures realized that they were now
miles away from the lodge. At least they were still in the same plane
of existence! So, wearily, with the grudge still very much alive
between the two dwarves, the group drudged back toward the lodge.

For
the third time now, the party arrived at the lodge. This time they
explored the remaining areas only to be apprehended by cultists. The
cultists took the party to their leader, Talis, who proposed a truce
be made between them due to their common interests. She offered to tell them the location of the cult's treasure in exchange for the elimination
of her competitor, Rezmir.

The
terms seemed agreeable, even to Lucien. In fact, thanks to insightful
questions asked by Oloril, the paladin had quite a good conversation
with the cult leader. The two did share the common goal of restoring
order and peace to the world. The means by which each hoped to
achieve this goal, however, differed drastically. Still, Lucien felt
more than a touch of compassion for Talis. Perhaps even she could be
redeemed.

They
spent that night at the lodge – guests of the cultists. In the
morning they would leave for their destination, a floating castle in
they sky within the town of Parnast. A castle that housed both the
cult's treasure and the nefarious Rezmir.And
so it came to pass, that the party reached the town of Parnast and
made their way onto the floating castle. Their identity seemed to
remain hidden for they carried with them a banner from Talis. When
confronted, all but Lucien spoke the phrase that was taught them -
“Hail, Tiamat, our mother and our strength!” Behaving thusly, no
one seemed to find their presence unusual.After
some time, the castle took off and began flying though the air
towards an unknown destination. Unhindered, the party explored and
finally came upon a room in which they found two wizards.
Unfortunately, one of them immediately recognized Nulara! In the
vicious battle that ensued, one of the wizards was felled and the
other – the one who recognized Nulara - escaped by flying away
through a secret door. Surely the party's presence would be given up.
Certainly they were no longer safe! Worn and ragged from combat, our
heroes needed to find a way to prepare what would come next . . .